Eagles Notch First Win of Season Against East

(GERMANTOWN, TN - September 29, 2022) - In a rare neutral site game at Germantown that was held on Thursday night due to a scheduled day off school on Friday, the SBA football team earned its first win of the season against East, 52-34.

There was no lack of drama in this one, as it remained close until the Eagle offense put the game away in the fourth quarter.

The Mustangs got some early momentum when an Antonio Adams fumble on the game's first play gave them solid field position for their first drive. Mustang QB Speedy Gary (31 carries, 121 yards) cashed in the turnover for his first of two rushing touchdowns on the day as the East offense was able to establish its heavy run-centered offense. Adams made up for the fumble immediately, scoring on a 64 yard scamper on the first play of the next possession to tie the game, 6-6. The score would remain the same at the end of the quarter as the East offense churned out a long drive, only to fall short on a fourth down play deep in Eagle territory.

The second quarter saw an offensive display from both teams. Gary put the Mustangs ahead on another rushing touchdown, but Alex McAlpin (255 yards, 4 TD) connected with Dewayne Moseley on a touchdown pass to match it. East did not wait long to respond as running back Lorenz Wright went for 52 yards to score on the first play of the ensuing possession. But the Eagles matched it yet again with another drive of their own, capped off by Adams' (10 carries, 62 yards) second rushing touchdown of the game. It appeared the half would end that way, but Jordan Ward picked off Gary and ran it back 85 yards to put the Eagles up 26-18 at the half.

Ward (6 receptions, 157 yards) caught a touchdown from McAlpin in the third quarter to put SBA up by two scores before Tre Campbell scored to keep East within range and set up a compelling fourth quarter.

A three play stretch early in the final period sealed the game for the Eagles. McAlpin and Ward teamed up yet again for a touchdown pass, followed by a Tyler Westphall kick that was recovered by the Eagles. On the very next play, McAlpin hit Moseley for a touchdown to put the game out of reach. The Mustangs grinded out a long drive to add one more score, but a long touchdown run by Cayden Willis and some strong Eagle defense, led by Cameron Scott put an end to the game.

The team (1-6) celebrated its first win in a couple years and will now have a bye week to focus on Bluff City, who will visit The Nest on October 14.